Florida vs South Carolina: Which is the Better State?
Florida vs South Carolina: Which is the Better State?
People migrate to the Sunbelt for various reasons. Maybe it’s the allure of a lower cost of living, more temperate climate, and job prospects. Florida has long been an East Coast destination, but what about nearby South Carolina? When comparing South Carolina vs Florida living, you must account for all the pros and cons.
Is one state better than another? That depends. It’s about considering and comparing your priorities to what’s available in a particular area. For instance, are good schools and access to nature important to you? What about employment opportunities or low taxes?
That brings us back to the question: Is Florida or South Carolina better? Let’s examine the differences between these two states to help you decide.
Comparing Cost of Living
When it comes to overall affordable living, the following chart shows South Carolina beats Florida, especially when it comes to housing costs.
Sperling’s Best Places is a resource for measuring the cost of living. It sets a cost of living index of 100 for the national average. Any cities with a score above 100 indicate that it costs more to live there, while anything below means it’s cheaper.
Looking at those numbers, South Carolina is more affordable than Florida in every category but health care. However, it also has a smaller population and less land mass. Florida’s extensive coastline and demand for waterfront living also increase its cost of living score.
|
|
South Carolina |
Florida |
|
Population |
5.28 million |
22.4 million |
|
Median Property Value |
$298,598 |
$399,944 |
|
Median Household Income |
$61,770 |
$69,287 |
|
Homeownership Rate |
73% |
67% |
|
Overall |
97.6 |
103.1 |
|
Grocery |
99.6 |
104.7 |
|
Health |
92.9 |
100.6 |
|
Housing |
90.7 |
108.4 |
|
Utilities |
111.2 |
105.9 |
|
Transportation |
95.1 |
101.1 |
|
Miscellaneous |
100.5 |
98.3 |
Keep in mind when evaluating South Carolina vs Florida living that actual expenses vary widely within a state, especially one as large as Florida. Living in Key West will cost more than Ocala, Florida. The upside is both states have lower-than-average median home sales prices.
Florida vs South Carolina Population Growth
A growing population has positive and negatives. On the bright side, a more people helps business growth and provides people with more opportunities. However, it can also lead to inflation, city overcrowding, and higher living expenses.
Florida has about 4x the number of residents than South Carolina, but both are experiencing robust population growth. From 2022 to 2023, Florida ranked second nationally for numeric population growth, while South Carolina was on its heels at no. 5. However, if you look at the percentage increased, South Carolina led the nation by adding 1.7% more people.
Still, if you’re concerned about crowded spaces and cities, South Carolina will provide you with more room because it has fewer people.
Robust Job Markets
When looking at South Carolina to Florida to live, looking at its economy can tell you if you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. Expanding economies are a good sign.
The job market in Florida is strong. The unemployment rate in April 2024 was 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.9%.
Florida’s major industries make it diverse enough to weather the occasional bumps. The top employing sectors are healthcare, hospitality, construction, and professional services. Walt Disney World Resort, Publix Super Markets, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Home Depot, Broward County Schools, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (Healthcare) are some of Florida’s top employers.
The unemployment rate in South Carolina was 3.2% at the same time. The state largely relies on agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace, and tourism for its economy. Some of the biggest employers in South Carolina are BMW Manufacturing Company, Boeing South Carolina, Michelin North America Inc., and Walmart.
Education in Florida vs South Carolina
Regarding public school systems, overall, Florida is the clear winner over South Carolina based on US News and World Report metrics. Florida’s education system came ranked the best in the nation for the second year running in 2024.
Its public K-12 schools ranked the tenth best. The public school system restricts class sizes by grade levels, and runs statewide testing to keep schools accountable. Meanwhile, its higher education ranked first, with four schools cracking into the nation’s top 100: the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of Miami, and the University of South Florida. All of these are known as leading research schools in various disciplines, including medicine, education, and science.
Meanwhile, South Carolina schools had ample room for growth, ranking no. 44 in 2022. Higher education was no. 45.
South Carolina’s highest-ranked university, Clemson, is a land-grant institution committed to making its community better. The state’s other well-known academic centers are the University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina.
|
South Carolina |
Florida |
|
|
No. of Students |
719,586 |
2,838,000 |
|
No. of Schools |
1,167 |
4,200 |
|
No. of School Districts |
85 |
67 |
|
Graduation Rate |
83% |
88% |
|
No. of Teachers |
51,585 |
163,558 |
|
Avg Teacher/Student Ratio |
15:1 |
17:1 |
|
Amount Spent per student |
$8,084 |
$10,646 |
*Figures are from 2023
Best City Living in Florida and South Carolina
Live Dynamically in Top Florida Cities
Again, Florida comes out on top when it comes to city living. Since it has more people living there, and with its iconic vacation and lifestyle destinations, Florida simply has more cities with over 200,000 residents.
Miami is known for its nightlife, beaches, and Latin American influence. International business, tourism, trade, and banking drive the city’s economy. Its calendar has endless entertainment, an internationally famous art scene, and historic attractions.
Tourists flock to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. This central Florida city is a major center for trade and tourism. Science, technology, and aviation round out its economy.
Aside from being a hub for financial and healthcare businesses, Tampa is widely recognized for its gorgeous waterfront area. Stunning parks, informative museums, and delicious eateries round out Tampa’s perks.
Other major cities in Florida include Jacksonville, Pensacola, St Petersburg, Sarasota, and Naples.
South Carolina’s Top Cities
City living is great, but what if you don’t like to deal with the traffic in Miami or Orlando? South Carolina cities are smaller and less dense than Florida’s, but they still deliver the culture and easy entertainment access that make city living attractive.
Charleston is the state’s largest city, with a population of about 150,000 people in its urban center. Add in the suburbs, and the metro becomes larger. Its antique buildings and cobblestone streets are a top tourist destination in the South. Other must-sees are theFort Sumter National Monument and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Columbia, the state capital, is a runner-up in terms of size. This Piedmont area city is large enough to have fashionable bars and cafes and a youthful college vibe, but small enough that it never feels crowded.
Other city living options in South Carolina include Myrtle Beach, and Greenville. Both have fewer than 100,000 residents.
Which Has Lower Real Estate Taxes
If your budget matters when looking at Florida vs South Carolina to live, one state has the clear advantage in real estate taxes.
South Carolina is helped in part by lower property values. It also has a reduced property tax assessment rate of 4% to primary residents. To get this, you must apply with the county assessor; otherwise, the standard rate of 6% applies.
Regarding the average effective property tax rate, South Carolina beats Florida with a low 0.57%. That puts in sixth in the nation for 2024 property taxes. Each county sets a different millage rate; municipalities may also charge a property tax. Look at the tax rates for the specific county and town you want to live in before making any decisions.
The average effective property tax rate in Florida is 0.92%, which is better 2023’s national average of 1.10%. Florida homeowners paid an average of $6,489 in property taxes. Property values are higher here. Tax rates fluctuate because they are set by the local county rather than the state government.
Florida also has a complex exemption program for primary residences. The first $25,000 exemption applies to all taxes; another $50,000 applies solely to non-school-related taxes. But there are also more specific exemptions for widowers, senior citizens, disabled persons, and veterans.
Taxes for Retirees
Florida remains a popular retirement destination. Aside from being warmer and having more affordable housing, its tax laws make it preferable to retire in Florida. The most famous bonus is having no state individual income tax. So pensions, social security, and other retirement income aren’t subject to more taxes.
Other benefits: no inheritance tax or estate tax and an exemption from debt collection on assets held in IRAs or similar accounts. As mentioned, those over 65 may qualify for some property tax exemptions, too, if they live full time in Florida.
Comparatively, South Carolina landed at no. 25 on Bankrate’s list. Inheritance and social security income taxes do not exist in South Carolina, but public pension income can be taxed. Residents can deduct $10,000 from retirement income, including pensions and IRAs, while up to $15,000 can be withdrawn without being taxed for private pension income sources.
South Carolina allows a $50,000 homestead exemption for homeowners 65 years or older who have resided in their property as a primary residence for at least one year.
Climate of Living in Florida vs South Carolina
Florida’s Endless Summer
Hopefully, you like solid sweat sessions! One thing these Southern states share in abundance is hot weather and humidity. Both states have a humid, subtropical climate with moderate winters and summers. Their best seasons to be outdoors are spring and autumn.
Florida’s more southerly location and peninsula topography lend it even more sticky, steamy days. Sea breezes battle back and forth, creating pop-up thunderstorms that briefly ease the head. It’s amazing how these powerful thunderstorms dropping significant rain, wind, and lightning can appear in mere minutes. Florida experiences an average of 60 days of thunderstorms per year and averages 223 lightning strikes per square mile.
This environment and the abundant coastline make most of Florida hotter and more humid than South Carolina.
Both states also feel the impact of hurricanes, but Florida is more vulnerable because of its considerable coastline. The hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30. Much of the state’s infrastructure and building costs reflect its frequent run-ins with these powerful storms. Building climate-change-resistant homes and looking for hurricane-proof home features is part of buying a Florida home.
Steamy South Carolina
But don’t think the Palmetto State gets a free pass. This is the state that brought the nation sweet tea, after all. Temperatures in South Carolina can get pretty hot, with average highs in July reaching 92F. The Lowcountry will feel just like Florida, with the humidity and summer storms. The coastal areas have experienced their fair share of powerful storms, too.
However, the Upstate region is typically milder due to the Blue Ridge Mountains and higher elevation. Its winters are cooler than the Lowcountry, with perhaps the occasional snowfall dusting adding charm to mountain living. The state also sees a fair amount of rain, ranging from 40 to 80 inches annually.
Spending Time in the Great Outdoors
South Carolina and Florida have shared recreational activities thanks to the Atlantic coastline and vacation destinations. Still, some differences exist.
Best of Florida Activities
Florida is well-known for its waterfront lifestyle. Hundreds of miles of coastline create miles of beaches and easy ocean access. Add to this the spring-fed rivers, inland lakes, and reservoirs. Floridians have endless chances for swimming, fishing, and all types of boating. Try deep-sea fishing, scalloping, sailing, or any kind of human-powered boat.
The state runs over 175 parks and nature reserves, where visitors go hiking, cycling, biking, swimming, boating, or camping. Another 11 national parks are also in Florida, including the Everglades National Park and St. Augustine’s Historic Castillo de San Marcos.
Florida isn’t all beaches–the state has plenty of wilderness, too. The Ocala National Forest alone has four different federally recognized wilderness areas. In addition to that, there’s the Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest, and the Okefenokee Swamp.
Shared Golfing Paradise
Both states are prized for their golfing. Florida has over 1,100 golf courses, while South Carolina comes in just under 600. Find golfing resorts and destinations across the states, from Hilton Head and the Grand Strand in South Carolina to the multiple courses in Florida’s Palm Beaches and Jacksonville metro.
Best South Carolina Activities
While Florida is king when it comes to the waterfront, South Carolina is no slouch for water activities. Did you know that South Carolina has almost 200 miles of coastline? With the famed “Grand Strand” and ten state scenic rivers, there’s plenty of opportunity for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Lake Marion is the largest lake in the state and a popular destination for summer leisure.
What separates South Carolina from Florida is the rolling Piedmont and Upstate region. The foothills of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains bring in cooler temperatures and topography perfect for whitewater rafting, bouldering, hiking, and backpacking trails.
Both states have a lot to offer residents for outdoor recreational activities, so if you can’t decide between living in Florida vs South Carolina, think about what you prefer.
States’ Sports Culture
Do you love a night out at a good game? For professional sports, it’s no contest. South Carolina has no professional teams. In contrast, Florida has a total of nine professional teams playing in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
The state’s professional sports teams have won the NFL Super Bowl, NBA, and NHL Stanley Cup championships.
Both states do have top-flight NASCAR races. Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, hosts the Daytona 500. The Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, hosts the Bojangles’ Southern 500.
What South Carolina lacks in major league sports it makes up for with a strong funnel system presence for Minor League Baseball: Charleston RiverDogs, Columbia Fireflies, Greenville Drive, and Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
Regarding college sports, the University of Florida Gators and the Florida State University Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I athletics, facing the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson University Tigers. These SEC teams compete fiercely in football, basketball, and other sports.
The Southern Culture
Spending time outside or at the ballpark is just one facet of a well-rounded life. Luckily, both states deliver cultural experiences through history, entertainment, music, and the arts.
One of the top places to visit in Florida are the theme parks. You can’t miss Disney World, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Universal Studios. The state also has the Kennedy Space Center, where you can learn about space exploration, tour the facilities, and view rocket launches. Miami’s Design District and Wynwood District are creative epicenters in multi-modal arts. However, Florida boasts diversity in arts and culture from Key West to Pensacola.
Florida is divided into distinct areas with unique personalities. Friendliness, sweet tea, and southern cuisine customs are examples of northern and Panhandle regions’ Southern hospitality culture. The Miami metropolis has a vibrant Latino culture reflected in its architecture, music, cuisine, and language spoken. Tampa and Naples have a more laid-back beach town feel.
South Carolina is known for their Southern hospitality and charm. The state claims to be the home of sweet tea and barbecue. Many historic plantations run tours and opportunities to learn about the state’s history. It also has a unique culture and cuisine in the Sea Islands. Gullah cooking has influenced Southern cooking across the South.
Evaluating South Carolina vs Florida Living
Both states offer an excellent quality of life. It boils down to personal preference. If you’re looking for year-round warm weather and stacked entertainment, Florida is the place for you. South Carolina may be a better fit if you prefer a slower pace and charming Southern hospitality. No matter which state you choose, you’re sure to enjoy all it offers! Let a local real estate expert be your guide to exploring Florida or South Carolina.
And if you’re still not sure, why not compare Florida to Georgia?
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Preston Guyton
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